ASM Supports Scientific Examination of Antibiotic Restriction in Food Animals to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance

6/28/2002

From: Barbara Hyde of the American Society for Microbiology 202-942-9206

WASHINGTON, June 28 -- The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) in a letter earlier this month to Representative Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) expressed support for the intent of legislation he introduced (HR 3804), the "Preservation of Antibiotics for Human Treatment Acts of 2002."

In the letter the ASM stated, "Certainly, there is enough evidence to support the drastic curtailment of antimicrobial use in agriculture" in a growing body of scientific literature. The ASM noted that "The use of antibiotics for prophylaxis or as growth promoters involves long-term, low-dose exposure to antibiotics, a type of use that is more likely to select for resistant bacteria than the short-term regimens usually used to treat sick animals."

The ASM experts who reviewed HR 3804 had concerns, however, about the definition of "nontherapeutic" use that would potentially be restricted. A survey of the widely varying numbers given by different groups for the amount of antibiotics used as growth promoters and the amount used for disease prophylaxis show how uncertain the definition of "nontherapeutic" currently is, said Dr. Abigail Salyers, ASM President.

"The need for further research does not mean that we cannot act today, but such additional research is prudent because it may influence the legislative and regulatory path of the future," Salyers said. "Basically, we need to determine and define what prudent antimicrobial use practices actually are. This requires aggressive, well-supported research programs to find the best ways to meet the critical health problem of antimicrobial resistance." The ASM supports HR 1771, Representative Brown's "Antimicrobial Resistance Prevention Act" authorizing new funds to address this emerging threat to public health.

The ASM has worked consistently towards prevention of antimicrobial resistance and formed a Task Force in 1994 to analyze the best available information related to this issue and to assist in making well-informed public health policy. It has since provided expert commentary to government agencies and other groups. ASM is committed to working with Congress, the Administration, the DHHS, and USDA on policies and legislation to prevent antibiotic resistance and commends Congressman Brown for introducing this legislation.

The full text of the ASM statement can be found at http://www.asmusa.org/pasrc/browncom.htm